Brockton authorities are probing an alleged junior high prostitution racket, including whether to charge a 13-year-old girl accused of pressuring her mentally impaired friend into turning tricks for as little as $5.

Brockton School Superintendent Joseph Bage said the disturbing case that has rocked West Junior High School is being investigated by Brockton police and Plymouth District Attorney TimothyCruz's office. Bage said no disciplinary action has been taken against either girl because the incidents allegedly occurred behind a shopping plaza a half-mile from the school.

``Once they're away from the school building, they're kind of on their own,'' Bage said.

While Bage said the alleged 13-year-old prostitute has ``denied everything,'' a source said the girl has opened up to authorities and admitted taking part in the sex for cash scandal. Bage also refuted that she is mentally impaired, calling her ``a regular education student.'' The source, however, said the girl is developmentally delayed and in need of special education.

According to the source, the trysts had been going on for weeks and involve as many as 20 boys from West Junior High and Brockton High School. One alleged 18-year-old john has been accused of assaulting her and forcing her to perform a sex act, the source said.

The shocking case surfaced when two girls told school officials they were solicited by the accused junior high madame to join the upstart sex ring. A third girl also came forward.

Brockton police Lt. William Conlon confirmed the probe. While the alleged victim is a foster child, Department of Social Services spokesman Michael MacCormack said the agency has yet to receive a report.

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